Consider the following statements about the Ozone: 1. It releases mai...
Ozone: It occurs naturally in the upper layers of the atmosphere.
This important gas shields the earth from the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun. However, at the ground level, it is a pollutant with highly toxic effects. Vehicles and industries are the major sources of ground-level ozone emissions. Ozone makes our eyes itch, burn, and water. It lowers our resistance to cold and pneumonia.
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Consider the following statements about the Ozone: 1. It releases mai...
**Answer:**
The correct statement out of the given options is **2 only**. Let's understand why this is the correct answer.
1. **Statement 1: It releases mainly from air-conditioning systems and refrigeration.**
This statement is incorrect. Ozone is not released mainly from air-conditioning systems and refrigeration. Ozone is a naturally occurring gas in the Earth's atmosphere. It is formed primarily in the upper atmosphere, or stratosphere, through a process involving the interaction of sunlight with oxygen molecules. Ozone is also produced by lightning and certain chemical reactions. It acts as a protective layer against harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.
2. **Statement 2: Vehicles and industries are the major source of ground-level ozone emissions.**
This statement is correct. Ground-level ozone is formed by the reaction of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the presence of sunlight. The primary sources of these pollutants are vehicles and industries. Vehicle emissions, including exhaust and evaporation from fuel, contribute to the release of nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds. Industries, especially those involved in manufacturing, power generation, and chemical production, also emit significant amounts of these pollutants.
Ground-level ozone is a harmful air pollutant and a major component of smog. It can have detrimental effects on human health, particularly for individuals with respiratory conditions such as asthma. It can also damage crops, forests, and other vegetation.
To summarize, ozone is not released mainly from air-conditioning systems and refrigeration (statement 1 is incorrect). Vehicles and industries are indeed the major sources of ground-level ozone emissions (statement 2 is correct). Therefore, the correct answer is **option B: 2 only**.